CARB Catalytic Converter - AP/Eastern/Catco vs. BRE vs. Magnaflow

[The Critic]

Cousin's 03 Accord 2.4 got its catalytic converter stolen earlier this evening.

OE is $2200.

The aftermarket has three CARB approved options:

AP/Eastern/Catco is $590 from my local supplier.

Rockauto has BRE/Bosal for $~750

Magnaflow is also available for $1100.

All appear to have a 5/50k warranty.

Which one should I get?

 

[ctechbob]

Hrm, I've used a Catco before, but we don't have any form of emissions. I'd say if it's CARB approved, cheaper is better? Especially given the age of the car.

 

[Trav]

Eastern hold up well.

 

[bullwinkle]

The Eastern on the Transit in my sig has been OK so far (around 2500 miles so far), but it's not CARB approved.

 

[t1snwrbrdr12]

I put the bosal on my 2003 accord with problems for about 7 years. Prior to using bosal on my own car, I put a “premium” bosal on my moms 97 Camry and it failed (rattled internally) within the first couple weeks. They handled swapping it for a new one simply and easily so that’s why I stuck with them again. The quality externally (welds, metals, flanges, etc) seemed just fine (especially for aftermarket).

 

[simple_gifts]

I used an eastern catalytic on my 03 echo; "the boltupness" of the supplied part was outstanding; i had 0 issues installing it.

 

[Jason2007]

Is insurance paying for this? If it were mine I'd make them pay for OEM, buy the cheapest, pocket the difference. Especially on a vehicle of that age.

 

[SHOZ]

I put a non carb approved cat/manifold on my Accent two years ago I got off eBay. $125 with free shipping. Fits and works like a charm. No testing here but the cat efficiency is AOK.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Eastern is the best out of those three

Bosal sucks and often doesn't even fit properly.

 

[nthach]

Many exhaust shops I’ve visited seem to prefer Magnaflow, Walker’s garbage.

I’ve heard good things about Eastern/Catco here.

 

[The Critic]

Unfortunately, this car was originally approved for the SULEV standard. The EFN is 3HNXV02.4KCP, which is different than the LEV models.

Per the info here:
https://asktheref.org/Information/Honda-Accord-Catalytic-Converters

Walker 82895 is the only approved direct-fit catalytic converter for this application.

I called the CA Bureau of Automotive Repair Smog Hotline and was able to confirm this information. The rep also confirmed Walker 82895 to be acceptable for that VIN and EFN. So, I just need to install one, get the monitors to set and schedule a Smog Referee inspection.

So far, this is my parts list:

Walker 82895 catalytic converter $536.14
Walker front pipe, Denso a/f sensor and Denso oxygen sensor. $250.52
Genuine Honda lower catalytic converter cover, hardware and 1 exhaust gasket. $223.23
Stone exhaust gaskets (other two). $7.24

Total: $1,017.13

 

[Trav]

I have used Walker CA/NY cats and had no problem other than rot, never a CEL. Walker must have timed the warranty to the month, 3 rotted through a month or two after the 5 years was up but in your area this is probably not an issue.

 

[DZello]

I would take the part from a junkyard instead, but I don't know the laws in California.

How much a Honda Accord's worth at your location? That's almost a 20-year-old car. For 1k$, pretty sure your cousin can find another one.

 

[The Critic]

I would take the part from a junkyard instead, but I don't know the laws in California.

How much a Honda Accord's worth at your location? That's almost a 20-year-old car. For 1k$, pretty sure your cousin can find another one.

Junkyards cannot resell used catalytic converters. Not legal around here.

This particular 03 only has 105K miles. Higher mileage examples sell for $5-6K, easily.

 

[The Critic]

This job is all done.

Per this bulletin, the car is scheduled for a CA BAR Ref inspection next month for the exemption label.

Here is the final cost:
Denso Oxygen Sensor $47
Denso Air Fuel Sensor $100
Walker 82895 Catalytic Converter $411
BRE front/flex pipe $81
Felpro 61348 donut gasket $13
BRE front/flex pipe gasket 256-005 $11
Walker 31383 flange gasket (autozone) $14
6 SS M10x1.25 cap flange bolts and nuts $10?
Honda front pipe bolt 18231-SR3-A22 $15
Honda front pipe bolt spring 18230-SV4-000 $7
Shipping ~$25
Tax $69

Final Total $803

 

[researcher]

I'm glad the cat got replaced but my biggest question is.. How do you stop it from getting stolen again?! I've heard of people welding cages around them..

 

[The Critic]

I'm glad the cat got replaced but my biggest question is.. How do you stop it from getting stolen again?! I've heard of people welding cages around them..

Aftermarket cats are not a target.

 

[researcher]

ahh.. maybe it's because aftermarket doesn't have as much precious metals as the originals.. makes sense, didn't think of that.

 

[The Critic]

Bump.

Walker 82895 lasted 3 years and 4 months.....and a whopping 26,312 miles!

During that time, it saw:

One 5K interval with Mobil 1 5W20
One 10K interval with HPL
Two 5K intervals with Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w30 Triple Action
One 3K interval (and counting) with Valvoline Restore and Protect

With the exception of the Valvoline product, oil consumption averaged 1 qt/2000-2500 miles, which should not have been enough to materially impact catalyst life.

 

[KGMtech]

Aftermarket cats are not a target.

And the Meth head using the sawzall knows this detail? I'm not saying these people weren't smart at some point in their lives...